Ortovox Sportartikel ORTOVOX3 Avalanche Transceiver User Manual 2 BedienungsanleitungEng indd
Ortovox Sportartikel GmbH Avalanche Transceiver 2 BedienungsanleitungEng indd
Exhibit D Users Manual per 2 1033 b3

22GB
ORTOVOX 3+ 
TECHNOLOGY AND FUNCTIONS
Being  rescued  immediately  by  your 
companions  with  the  3+,  avalanche 
probes and  shovels  is  practically the 
only  chance  of  survival  after  being 
buried by an avalanche. Read the in-
structions of use for the 3+ avalanche 
transceiver  carefully,  practice  how 
to  handle  it  and  train  how  to  rescue 
your  companions  effectively! You can 
find valuable information about help-
ing  your  companions,  preventing  ac-
cidents  and  about  the  current  safety 
products from ORTOVOX at 
www.ortovox.com
The  ORTOVOX  3+  avalanche  trans-
ceiver  does  not  protect  you  against 
avalanches.
Never  go  backcountry  skiing  and  
freeriding  alone  –  always  do  these 
types of sport in a small group.
You can reach us by email at 
ortovox@ortovox.com
ORTOVOX wishes you wonderful, safe 
tours!
Here are the benets of the ORTOVOX 
avalanche transceiver 3+
ENGLISH
  Automatic switch over to the best 
transmission  antenna  (“Smart 
Antenna”)
  3-antenna technology
  Signal analysis (scan the avalan-
che debris and locate every 
  signal quickly and accurately)
  Marking function (3 signals)
  Only 1 ALKALINE battery 
  AA 1.5V
  Partner check
  Automatic  transmission  switch 
over
  Update

23 GB
CONTENTS
OPERATING ELEMENTS        24
TECHNICAL DATA           25
EU DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY      26
QUICK GUIDE           27
SWITCHING ON/ OFF        27
SELF TEST          27
PARTNER CHECK          28
SEARCH            30
SIGNAL SEARCH          30
COARSE SEARCH          31
FINE SEARCH          32
MARKING           33 
PINPOINT SEARCH AND PROBING      33
ADVANCED INSTRUCTIONS FOR USE      34
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION SWITCH OVER    34
MULTIPLE BURIALS         34
INTERFERENCE          36
SERVICE            37
INDEX            39
GUARANTEE          41
SERVICE ADDRESSES        102

24GB
OPERATING ELEMENTS 
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
1
10
SLIDING SWITCH 
(SEARCH MODE)
TRANSMISSION SWITCH 
OVER (TRANSMISSION MODE)
DIRECTION ARROW
DISTANCE INDICATOR
BATTERY CAPACITY
NUMBER OF SIGNALS
MARKING BUTTON
LOUDSPEAKER
ON/OFF SWITCH,  
BATTERY COMPARTMENT
LOCKING SLIDE
Subject to changes (08/ 2010)
The back of the carrier bag 
contains an extra compartment 
for storing the 3+ and carrying 
straps.

25 GB
TECHNICAL DATA
NAME:    ORTOVOX 3+
FUNCTION:  digital 
CASING:     ergonomic, waterproof, impact resistant
SIZE:    119 x 71 x 25mm
FREQUENCY:  457 kHz
The 3+ receives transmission signals from every avalanche transceiver con-
forming to standards without restrictions.
DIGITAL RECEPTION 
RANGE:     40m
SEARCH STRIP WIDTH:   up to 40m
TEMPERATURE RANGE:   -20° C to +45° C
If the transceiver gets wet, do not use direct heat, i.e. such as a hair dryer 
to dry it out. Heat applied in a direct manner may permanently damage the 
device beyond repair.
POWER SUPPLY:  1 Alkaline AA 1.5 V LR 06 battery
OPERATING TIME:     Transmitting:  approx. 250 hours
        Receiving:    approx. 15 hours
WEIGHT:    approx. 189g incl. battery
      (Comfort carrier bag approx. 98g)
ADDITIONAL FUNCTIONS
   Partner-Check
   Update
The ORTOVOX 3+ exceeds the high requirements of the European Standard 
EN 300 718.

26GB
EU DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY
EU DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY
Manufacturer: X-log Elektronik GmbH
Person responsible: Johann Nowotny, Bahnhofstr. 95, D-82166 Gräfelfing
declares that the product: type: ORTOVOX, model: 3+
Intended purpose: avalanche victim search device when used properly meets 
the essential requirements according to Article 3  of the R&TTE regulations 
1999/5/EC and that the following standards have been applied:
1.  Health (Article 3.1.a of the R&TTE regulations), ETS 300 718 edition: 05/01
2.  Safety (Article 3.1.a of the R&TTE regulations), ETS 300 718 edition: 05/01
3.   Electromagnetic compatibility (Article 3.1.b of the R&TTE regulations) 
ETSI EN 300 718-1, edition: 05/01
4.   Efficient use of the radio frequency spectrum (Article 3.2.b of the R&TTE 
regulations) ETSI EN 300 718-2, edition: 05/01
5.   Electromagnetic compatibility and radio band matters (Article 3.3.e of the 
R&TTE regulations) ETSI EN 300 718-3, edition:
Munich, July 26, 2010
p.p. Andrea Reintges
CHANGES OR MODIFICATIONS TO THIS DEVICE 
NOT APPROVED BY ORTOVOX CAN VOID THE US-
ERS AUTHORITY TO OPERATE THE EQUIPMENT. 
INFORMATION FOR THE USER
Registration Number:  
FCC ID No. KF5 ORTOVOX 3
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC 
Rules. Operation is subject to the following two 
conditions:
(1) the device may not cause harmful interference 
and
(2) the device must accept any interference 
received, including interference that may cause 
undesired operation.
This equipment has been tested and found to 
comply with the limits for an intentional radiator 
pursuant to part 15 of the FCC Rules. These 
limits are designed to provide reasonable protec-
tion against harmful interference in a residential 
installation. This equipment generates, uses, 
and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if 
not installed and used in accordance with the 
instructions, may cause harmful interference to 
radio communications.
However, there is no guarantee that interference 
will not occur in a particular installation. If this 
equipment does cause harmful interference to 
radio or television reception, which can be deter-
mined by turning the equipment off and on, the 
user is encouraged to try to correct the interfer-
ence by one or more of the following measures:
- Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
-  Increase the separation between the equipment  
and receiver.
-  Connect the equipment into an outlet on a 
circuit different from that to which the receiver 
is connected.
-  Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV 
technician for help.

27 GB
QUICK GUIDE
SWITCHING ON/ OFF
SWITCHING ON 
Undo  the  LOCKING  SLIDE  (10)  and 
turn  the  SWITCH-ON  LEVER  (1) 
counter-clockwise.  The  SWITCH-ON 
LEVER  is  now  secured  from  being 
switched off unintentional. Right now 
the  appliance  number  is  indicated, 
the self-test starts and the remaining 
battery capacity is shown in %.
SWITCHING OFF
Undo  the  LOCKING  SLIDE  (10)  and 
turn the SWITCH-ON LEVER (1) clock-
wise.
SELF-TEST AND 
TRANSMISSION MODE
The self-test is visible on the display. 
The  remaining  battery  capacity  (6)  is 
shown: 99 (%).
After  a  successful  self-test  the  
ORTOVOX  3+  starts  transmitting  and 
the  transmission  elements  flash  on 
the display. The battery symbol shows 
the remaining battery capacity.
If a fault is detected during self-test,  
a warning appears on the display: 
E1, E2, E3 or E4.
on
off
battery
10
1
10
1
6

28GB
QUICK GUIDE
WARNING
on
off
WARNING
During  the  self-test  the  TRANSMIT 
and  RECEIVE  functions,  the  sensors 
and the battery capacity are tested. If 
a fault is detected during this function 
test, then this is indicated with E1, E2, 
E3 or E4. 
A  warning  can  be  triggered  in  the 
immediate  vicinity  of  a  transmitting 
avalanche transceiver, mobile phone, 
wireless  appliance,  large  metal  ob-
jects  or  particularly strong  magnetic 
fields.
WHAT THE MOST IMPORTANT 
WARNINGS MEAN DURING
THE SELF-TEST
E1: Transmitter/ receiver
E2: X or Y antenna (reception)
E3: X or Y antenna (transmitter)
E4: Memory
If  one  of  the  above  warnings  or  any 
other is displayed during the self-test, 
then carry out this test again outside 
in  interference-free  surrounding. 
When doing so, it is essential to make 
sure  that  no  other  transmitters  are 
nearby.  Switch  off  all  sources  of  in-
terference  (mobile  phones,  wireless 
devices etc.) or move them well away. 
If this warning is shown again, the ap-
pliance must be sent to the ORTOVOX 
service department.
People with pacemakers should wear 
the 3+ on the right side of their body. It 
is essential to observe the pacemaker 
manufacturer‘s  instructions  or  con-
sult with your physician!

29 GB
QUICK GUIDE
PARTNER OR GROUP CHECK
PARTNER OR GROUP CHECK
(“The daily check”)
  Switch the ORTOVOX 3+ to SEARCH 
(= RECEPTION). 
  Now switch the 3+ on (1) and press 
the MARKING BUTTON (8) simulta-
neously.
  If  the  transmitter‘s  parameters  are 
OK, then “00” is shown on  the  dis-
play.  If  no  transmitter  is  located 
within a circumference of 1 m from 
the  reception  device,  then  “--”  is 
displayed.
Warnings  about  the  tested  transmit-
ter are displayed with E1 – E7.
WHAT THE WARNINGS MEAN
DURING THE PARTNER
CHECK
The warnings E1 to E7 signal that one 
or more of the measured parameters 
on  the  transmitter  do  not  meet  the 
standard for avalanche transceivers.
If  one  of  these  warnings  is  shown, 
then the transceiver must be sent to 
the service department.
E1: Frequency
E2: Width of the transmission signal 
E3:   Frequency and width of the trans-
mission signal
E4: Transmission cycle
E5:  Frequency and transmission
      cycle
E6:  Transmission  cycle  and  width  of 
the transmission signal
E7: All tested parameters defective
1
8

30GB
QUICK GUIDE
SIGNAL SEARCH
SEARCH
Slide  both  SWITCHES  (2)  outwards 
simultaneously – the TRANSMISSION 
SWITCH OVER (3) pops out. The search 
situation  is  automatically  shown  on 
the display. 
ORTOVOX recommends switching off 
mobile  telephones  and  radio  equip-
ment during the locating process!
SIGNAL SEARCH
(ONE SEARCHER)
When  searching  for  a  signal  
(= searching for the  first signal),  pan 
the 3+ left and right at an angle of 30° 
and tilt moderately up and down. This 
compensates  unfavourable  positions 
of  the  transmitter  antenna  and  the 
transmitting signal can be  picked  up 
even earlier. Search strip width: 40m! 
SEVERAL SEARCHER:
The distance between people search-
ing is 40m; the distance to the edge of 
the avalanche must not exceed 
20m.
2

31 GB
QUICK GUIDE
COARSE SEARCH
COARSE SEARCH
Use  the  3+  in  a  horizontal  position 
during the coarse search process! 
At  a  distance  of  approx.  40m  to  the 
avalanche victim, the direction arrow 
(4)  and  distance  indicator  (5)  appear 
on  the  display.  The  acoustic  signal 
from the loudspeaker gets faster and 
louder as you approach. The distance 
indicator goes down and confirms 
you are getting closer.  
DISPLAY EXAMPLES
Three transmitters  (7) are  displayed; 
the nearest transmitter is 44m away.
Direction: straight ahead! 
Three transmitters are displayed; the 
nearest transmitter is 15m away.
Direction: keep slightly to the right!
DIRECTION
DISTANCE (44m)
NUMBER OF  
SIGNALS (1)
4
5

32GB
QUICK GUIDE
FINE SEARCH
COARSE SEARCH
Use  the  3+  in  a  horizontal  position 
during the coarse search process! 
At  a  distance  of  approx.  40m  to  the 
avalanche victim, the direction arrow 
(4)  and  distance  indicator  (5)  appear 
on  the  display.  The  acoustic  signal 
from the loudspeaker gets faster and 
louder as you approach. The distance 
indicator goes down and confirms 
you are getting closer.  
DISPLAY EXAMPLES
Three transmitters  (7) are  displayed; 
the nearest transmitter is 44m away.
Direction: straight ahead! 
Three transmitters are displayed; the 
nearest transmitter is 15m away.
Direction: keep slightly to the right!
DIRECTION
DISTANCE (44m)
NUMBER OF  
SIGNALS (1)
Three transmitters are displayed; the 
nearest transmitter is 10m away.
Direction: straight ahead! 
FINE SEARCH
Fine search starts automatically when 
you are 2m away. The direction arrow 
is  switched  off.  The  tendency indica-
tor  (=  semicircle  shaped  segments) 
formulates  the  fine  search  process 
simply,  quickly  and  precisely.  The 
searcher  is  approaching  the  victim: 
the  tendency  indicator  points  to  the 
centre  of  the  display.  The  closer  you 
are to the victim, the faster and louder 
the acoustic signal beeps.
The searcher is now going away from 
the victim. The semicircles get small-
er and the distance indicator number 
will get larger.
The  victim  has  been  located.  Burial 
depth:  0.1m.  No  smaller  numbers 
and  no  stronger  tendency  indicator 
appear.
DO NOT TURN THE 3+ DURING THE 
FINE SEARCH!

33 GB
QUICK GUIDE
MARKING/PINPOINT SEARCH AND PROBING
MARKING 
At a distance of 5m transmitters can 
be marked. To mark a located trans-
mitter,  the  MARKING  BUTTON  (8)  is 
pressed once. The marked transmis-
sion  signal  now  appears  as  a  white 
symbol on a black background.
The distance to the next transmitter is 
22m; the  direction to the  next  trans-
mitter: left. 
If  4  or  more  than  4  transmitters  are 
detected, the “4+” symbol appears on 
the  display.  ORTOVOX  recommends 
the  Sector  Method  for  locating  4  or 
more than 4 signals.
PINPOINT SEARCH AND
PROBING
Mark the exact point with the probe. 
Always insert the probe at 90° to the 
surface of the slope.
MARKING 
BUTTON
8

34GB
ADVANCED INSTRUCTIONS FOR USE 
AUTOMATIC  TRANSMISSION SWITCH OVER
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION 
SWITCH OVER IN CASE OF A 
SECONDARY AVALANCHE
If the 3+ is not moved over a period of 
120 seconds, it automatically switches 
over to  transmission  mode  from  any 
operating mode.
STRATEGY IN  THE EVENT OF 
MULTIPLE BURIALS
ORTOVOX SECTOR METHOD
1st sector:  After the 1st victim is lo-
cated  and  excavated  by  searchers, 
the  victim‘s  avalanche  transceiver  is 
switched off and the avalanche debris 
field is searched by sector.
2nd sector: Approach from the left.
3rd sector: Approach from the right.
4th sector: Approach from below. Be-
fore any approach in a new sector, the 
3+ must be briefly switched to TRANS-
MIT and then immediately back to RE-
CEIVE. Switching over briefly to trans-
mission  mode  causes  the  previously 
marked transmitter to be deleted.
Attention:
Already located signals can then nat-
urally  appear  again.  The  searcher 
should  then  concentrate  on  signals 
that have not yet been marked in the 
avalanche debris eld.

35 GB
ADVANCED INSTRUCTIONS FOR USE 
SIGNAL SEPARATION
SIGNAL OVERLAP - 
SIGNAL SEPARATION 
The transmission signal is measured 
and  analysed  by  the  ORTOVOX  3+.  If 
several  transmission  signals  are  re-
ceived and these transmission signals 
are transmitting at the same time (si-
multaneous  transmission  signal  and 
simultaneous  transmission  break), 
then a signal overlap occurs.
This signal overlap is illustrated with-
out a direction arrow (e.g. “44m” and 
3 transmission signals).
IMPORTANT INFORMATION 
ABOUT SIGNAL SEPARATION
Signal  separation  helps  you  when 
searching  for  one  or  especially  sev-
eral avalanche victims. We would like 
to inform you, however, about impor-
tant, physically contingent aspects of 
searching for victims:
When accidents happen, several per-
sons are often buried and transmit a 
signal at  the same time. In this  case 
– depending on the rhythm of the in-
dividual  transmitters  –  it  is  possible 
for two or even more transmitters to 
transmit  simultaneously  over  a  long 
time. This can lead to signal overlaps, 
particularly with analogue appliances 
with a long pulse and digital applianc-
es that transmit synchronised pulses. 
The signals are overlapped and can no 
longer  be  technically  distinguished. 
The  signal  from  an  individual  trans-
mitter cannot  be  measured either  by 
analogue  or  digital  means  in  such  a 
phase.  This can last for up to 30 sec-
onds  and  longer  in  the  worst  cases. 
It is necessary to wait until there is a 
signal  break.  This  physical  phenom-
enon can be solved with the ORTOVOX 
3+ using locating strategies:
Applying  the  ORTOVOX  sectors  
method (Page 34)

36GB
ADVANCED INSTRUCTIONS FOR USE 
BATTERY CHANGE / INTERFERENCE
BATTERY CHANGE 
(WHEN THE APPLIANCE IS 
SWITCHED OFF)
Turn on-off switch (1) until the battery 
symbol is in line with the index point.
Now pull the battery compartment out 
of the 3+ and insert a new AA alkaline 
1.5V battery. When changing the bat-
tery, bear in mind the correct polarity. 
Only  brand batteries  that  conform to 
standards should be used.
INTERFERENCE  IN  TRANSMIT-
TING  AND  RECEIVING  PER-
FORMANCE
Interference  in  the  transmis-
sion and reception performance 
can  occur  through  atmospheric 
forms  of  interference  such  as 
storms, through lifts  and power 
systems,  radio  equipment,  mo-
bile phones and other electronic 
equipment.  Mobile  phones  and 
radio  equipment  should  be 
switched  off  whilst  searching. 
The  distance  between  two  ava-
lanche  transceivers  and  metal, 
radio equipment, mobile phones, 
magnetic objects, etc. should be 
at least 50cm.
battery
1

37 GB
WARRANTY/SERVICE
WARRANTY
When  purchasing  a  new  ORTOVOX 
transceiver,  on  submission  of  the 
filled out guarantee card (see instruc-
tions  for  use)  and  dealer  invoice  we 
grant  the  5-year  ORTOVOX  guaran-
tee from the date of purchase, but no 
longer than  6 years from the  date of 
manufacture.  The  number  IV/15  on 
the  seal  in  the  battery  compartment 
means e.g.: ORTOVOX guarantee valid 
until 4th quarter 2015; the device was 
produced  5  years  before  in  the  4th 
quarter of 2010. The seal also reminds 
you of  the recommended transceiver 
check  in  the  4th  quarter  of  2015.  As 
part of the ORTOVOX guarantee, faulty 
parts  are  repaired  free  of  charge  or 
the avalanche transceiver is replaced 
by a device of the same design. Dam-
age caused by improper handling and 
natural  wear  is  excluded.  In  case  of 
damage  due  to  battery  leakage,  the 
ORTOVOX  guarantee  lapses.  Batter-
ies are excluded from the guarantee. 
Any  further  warranty  in  the  event  of 
consequential  damage  is  expressly 
excluded. Enforced guarantees do not 
extend  the  guarantee  obligation  nor 
does a new guarantee period begin. 
SERVICE
The  ORTOVOX 3+  is  a  rescue  device, 
on  whose  fault  function  someone‘s 
life  can  depend.  Electronic  compo-
nents can fail – we therefore recom-
mend that the appliance is sent for the 
factory check without fail on the date 
recommended on the test seal.
Please make use of our prompt test-
ing service in the summer months so 
that your transceiver is ready to use 
in time at the start of winter.
For  repairs  or  the  factory  check, 
please send the ORTOVOX 3+ direct to 
our service centre (see Page 102)

38GB
NOTES
IMPORTANT NOTICE!
The batteries should be removed from 
the  avalanche  transceiver  during  the 
summer break. In case of damage due 
to battery leakage the ORTOVOX war-
ranty lapses. Never use rechargeable 
batteries  (such  as  Ni-Cd  batteries). 
Rechargeable batteries  have  a much 
lower operating voltage and  hence a 
lower  range  and  a  limited  operating 
period.  In  addition,  faulty  recharge-
able batteries are not immediately no-
ticeable.  After  recharging  they  show 
the full operating voltage to start with, 
only to severely drop off again after a 
very short operating period (danger to 
life!).
IMPORTANT NOTICE!
ORTOVOX avalanche transceivers are 
designed  to  support  help  from  com-
panions  in  the  event  of  avalanche 
burial! Stopping  in  an unsecure area 
is potentially risky and should only be 
done  with  experienced  participants. 
The  effective  use  of  an  avalanche 
transceiver requires suitable training 
and repeated practice. Wear your ava-
lanche transceiver close to your body 
and under your top layer of clothing. 
ORTOVOX  urgently  recommends  that 
you carefully read the instructions of 
use for the avalanche transceiver. Al-
ways take  a  shovel and  a probe with 
you when you  are off-piste in an  un-
secured area and never wander off on 
your own. Plan your off-piste activities 
using the current avalanche report: 
www.ortovox.com
Before you enter an area at risk of an 
avalanche, you should make sure that 
all  avalanche  transceivers  are  work-
ing  properly  and  all  batteries  are  in 
good condition.
The ORTOVOX 3+ fulls the maximum 
safety  requirements  and  is  charac-
terised by its simple operation!

39 GB
INDEX
A
Additional functions   (S 25)
Advanced instructions for use   (S 34)
Appliance number   (S 27)
Automatic Transmission 
Switch Over   (S 34)
B
Battery   (S 25)
Battery change  (S 36)
Battery status   (S 27)
C
Coarse search  (S 31)
D
Declaration of conformity (EU)  (S 26)
Digital reception range   (S 25)
F
Fine search  (S 32)
Frequency   (S 25)
G
Group test  (S 29)
Guarantee  (S 37)
Guarantee card   (S 41)
I
Interference  (S 36)
L
Loudspeaker   (S 24)
M
Marking   (S 23)
Multiple burials   (S 34)
O
Operating elements   (S 24)
Operating duration receiving   (S 25)
Operating duration transmitting (S 25)
ORTOVOX Sector method  (S 34)
P
Partner check  (S 29)
Pinpoint search  (S 33)
Q
Quick guide  (S 27)
S
Searching   (S 30)
Search strip width   (S 25)
Sector Method  (S 34)
Self-test   (S 27)
Service   (S 37)
Service addresses   (S 102)
Signal separation  (S 35)
Signal overlap  (S 35)
Signal search  (S 30)
Switching OFF   (S 27)
Switching ON  (S 27)
T
Technical data   (S 25)
Tendency indicator  (S 32)
Transmission check   (S 27)
Transmitter test   (S 27)
Transmitting   (S 27)
U
Update   (S 25)
W
Warnings   (S 28)
Warranty  (S 37)

40GB
GUARANTEE CARD

GUARANTEE CARD
Name
Street
City, State, Zip, 
Telephone , E-mail
Model ORTOVOX 3+
Serial number
(shown on display when switched on)
Purchased at
Please provide below a detailed explanation and description of your unit`s faulty performance!
In case of service please fill out this card and send it to the responsible 
ORTOVOX service center (see page 102)
IMPORTANT!
KEEP CAREFULLY!